CALLAHAN'S LADY (Mass Market Paperback)

These are basically feel-good stories, and they work. I mean "feel-good" in the emotional sense. Despite a few harsh scenes, all who deserve it (and some who don't) live happily ever after. The entertainers and the clientele certainly feel each other well, too. That, however, is all hidden tastefully off stage or under euphemism. I wouldn't have any qualms about any kid I know reading the book.

You may find this book filed with science fiction. That's probably because of the writer's other work and not because of these stories' content. The SF-ish parts appear only briefly, once to get a story started and once to get a story ended. If you're not a SF fan, there's still plenty here for you.

It's light, fluffy, and fun. When you're done with deep meanings and grand literature for the day, give this one a try.

Those of us who are dedicated fans read the "forewards" and pay attention to the history of the author. Others *merely* read.

This and other Spider Robinson books are excellent entertainment with morals and underlying lessons for the sorry times in which we live. PAY ATTENTION, as Lady Sally would say.

In addition to the wonderfully atrocious puns, Robinson has created what could be the nicest place on Earth to go to for escape: Lady Sally's House. In addition to the witty and good-taste portrayal of sexuality and eroticism, Sally's House is a place of warmth, love and comfort, where joy is shared as much as it is at Callahan's Saloon if not even more so. All the characters who populate the House are people I have, in just the space of two books in 2 weeks, come to think of as dear friends, who I now find I sorely miss since Robinson's proposed 3rd Sally book has not yet been written or released.

The chapters involving Colt are perhaps the funniest and most arousing section of the book, enhanced because of the serious treatment of his dilemma. Maureen/Sherry is a great protagonist, and I shared her pain and despair when she thought she was too late to save The Professor from a mobster. And even the very beginning of the book is enough to make me shake my head and laugh - a werebeagle. A WEREBEAGLE??? Oy vey! And may I say I think I am in love with Dr. Kate! And Lady Sally herself is the perfect combination of friend, lover, mother and madam. If only we had a lot more people like her in this world, it would be a better place.

I must count both "Callahan's Lady" and "Lady Slings the Booze" as among my most favorite books of all time. They are wonderfully bawdy fun with a sci-fi twist and enough serious elements to make one think hard and to care about the lives of the characters. It makes me wish the House was somehow real so that *I* could go there myself as a client or an artist. It comes closer to sexual and romantic utopia than anything else I have ever read.

Don't let the Lady Sally books slip by you!!!